Pensions doled out to dead people in Odisha's Ganjam district

Berhampur (Odisha), Aug 21: The Ganjam district authorities have found that pensions under different social security schemes have been doled out in the names of at least six persons who have already died.

The fact came to light when Sashanka Das, Block Development Officer of Kumudakhandi on Wednesday lodged an FIR against a Gram Rojagar Sevak (GRS) of Rohigaon gram panchayat for allegedly making disbursement in the names of at least six dead persons.

"We have registered a case against Narayan Jena, the GRS of Rohigaon for disbursing pensions under social security schemes to at least six persons who have already died in last few months. He might have disbursed the pensions with forged signatures," a police officer said.

"The case was registered based on the reports of the BDO, Kukudakhandi and inquiry initiated on it. The accused persons are absconding," he said.

"During an inquiry, we came to know that names of at least six dead persons of the particular panchayat were used for getting the Madhu Babu Old Age Pension and Widow Pension," said BDO.

"After informing the district Collector, I have lodged FIR against the GRS, who is entrusted with the task of disbursing the amount, as he disbursed the amount by taking forged signatures," the BDO said.

Monthly pension under Madhu Babu Pension Yojana, a state government-sponsored scheme, is Rs 300, officials said.

"In Rohigaon pachayat, there are 482 beneficiaries under social security schemes like Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and Indira Gandhi National Social Security Scheme. In the preliminary inquiry, we have found six dead persons were getting the pensions," the BDO said.

PTI